Business leaders, policymakers, investors and industry experts are set to converge in Nairobi this week for the 3rd Annual SME Conference, Awards & Exhibition organised by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
The two-day event scheduled for July 23–24, 2026, at the All Saints’ Cathedral Auditorium will be presided over by Chief Guest FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.
Held under the theme, “Beyond Survival: Building Smart and Resilient Businesses,” the conference is expected to bring together more than 2,500 delegates, including SME owners, policymakers, investors, development partners, financial institutions and industry specialists.
The forum will focus on addressing key challenges affecting Kenya’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including access to finance, market opportunities, innovation, digital transformation and the creation of a supportive policy environment.
MSMEs remain a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy, with an estimated 7.4 million enterprises employing about 15 million people and contributing approximately 40 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Despite their contribution, many enterprises continue to face challenges such as limited access to affordable financing, changing market conditions, regulatory barriers and low levels of formalisation.
According to KEPSA, the conference will provide practical solutions through discussions on access to finance and investment readiness, market access, trade opportunities, MSME capacity building, innovation, technology adoption and strategic partnerships.
Participants will also benefit from keynote addresses, expert panel discussions and an exhibition featuring products, services and innovations from more than 250 exhibitors.
The event will also host the MSME Innovation Challenge and MSME Enablers Awards, which will recognise 20 outstanding enterprises for their achievements and contribution to the sector.
Other activities include business clinics offering entrepreneurs one-on-one advisory support and networking opportunities connecting SMEs with investors, financial institutions, policymakers and development partners.
By Michael Omondi
